Thursday, January 10, 2013

Walking Dead #106

Boy, I’m getting desperate for some comeuppance! I know
Robert Kirkman only introduced Negan a few months ago, but the new villain is
so despicable, I already want to see him get what he deserves.

Last issue, Carl attacked Negan’s headquarters, killing some
of his flunkies. After a demeaning tour and a confusing conversation, Negan
promises that he has more in store for the kid. The reader isn’t privy to that punishment
yet, but I’m worried. I don’t think Kirkman will kill Carl off like this
(off-panel), but I worry that he will be in even worse shape now.

The focus switches back to Rick and the Community. I’m grateful
for the change, because as I’ve mentioned, I can’t remember who anyone is. Jesus
is awesome, of course, but he’s the only new cast member to make a big
impression. This guy Nicholas who goes out with Rick, Andrea, and Michonne
might as well have a red shirt on. Other name-checks include Spencer, the entitled
kid who is still pining for Andrea, and Aaron and Eric have different views on
Rick’s current approach to leadership, which is worrying. There don’t seem to
be a ton of competent people around the Community anymore, so those two scouts
are pretty important.

Charlie Adlard has been on this book for a long time. This
is his 100th issue; that’s an awesome achievement. He’s still doing
neat things with the characters; look at how Negan dominates that closing page,
while Rick seems smaller, but angry and feisty. Spencer’s “acting” is a bit
obvious, but this is a comic, so I don’t have a problem with that. I am a
little curious about Carl’s mangled face. Could someone actually live with
exposed skull like that?